By Isle of Wight Observer
Newport IOW Shotokan Karate Club enjoyed another successful year at the Shotokan of England Karate Union’s annual championships.
Thirteen club members travelled to Portsmouth to compete against clubs from across the south in the tournament.
Tom Porter retained the adult black and brown belt kumite (fighting) title, defeating club-mate, Connor Taylor-Barnes, in the final. The pair then joined Malc Jupp to retain the team kumite title, while Amanda Osman helped secure a second successive team kata crown.
Chloe Maitland enjoyed a double success, winning both the girls’ 7th-4th kyu kumite and kata titles. Jess Osman retained the girls’ black and brown belt kumite title, while Earlisa Edward won the ladies’ black and brown belt kumite crown on her tournament debut.
Stuart Van-Cuylenburg claimed the men’s 10th-4th kyu kata title.
There were also podium finishes for Steven Maitland, who took silver in the men’s 7th-4th kyu kumite and bronze in the men’s 10th-4th kyu kata, while Charlie Godolphin secured bronze in the boys’ black and brown belt kumite competition.
Overall, Newport IOW Shotokan Karate Club returned home with an impressive haul of 12 gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals.